Advance Your Legal Career with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Are you a legal professional passionate about financial integrity and public service? The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is hiring for the position of Attorney Advisor. This unique role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of complex financial markets and federal regulatory law. If you are ready to apply your expertise to safeguard the U.S. derivatives markets, this is the career move you have been waiting for.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney Advisor, you will be embedded in the Market Participants Division. Your core duties include:
- Providing expert legal advice regarding the Commodity Exchange Act.
- Investigating complex legal issues and conducting deep-dive research into financial market precedents.
- Drafting regulatory documentation, including no-action letters, exemption orders, and proposed rules.
- Collaborating with stakeholders, including registered exchanges and financial institutions, to ensure compliance.
- Representing the Division’s position on regulatory matters to agency leadership.
Comparison of Grade Requirements
| Grade Level | Minimum Years of Experience | Key Expectations |
|---|---|---|
| CT-12 | 2 Years | Demonstrated legal analysis and foundational research. |
| CT-13 | 3 Years | Advanced research and drafting of complex legal opinions. |
| CT-14 | 4 Years | Expert regulatory development and high-level policy advice. |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited institution and maintain active bar membership in good standing. Candidates must demonstrate post-law school experience, with specific requirements varying by grade level (CT-12 to CT-14). U.S. citizenship is mandatory, as is the ability to pass a rigorous background and security investigation.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is between $125,191 and $272,407 per year. The final offer is determined by your depth of experience, qualifications, and the specific requirements of the grade level selected.
Benefits
Employees of the CFTC enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health and Life Insurance.
- Defined benefit retirement plans.
- Paid time off for federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional training and career advancement.
Application Tips
- Focus on the Two-Page Limit: Your resume must be concise. Do not exceed two pages; if it is longer, your application may be disqualified.
- Highlight Your Experience: Clearly describe your work in derivatives, securities, or administrative law to stand out to subject-matter experts.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the last minute. The portal closes promptly at 11:59 PM ET on October 28, 2026.
Serving as an Attorney Advisor at the CFTC is a distinguished opportunity to shape the future of market oversight. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application and contribute to the essential mission of the CFTC.
Why This Attorney Advisor Job Matters
Protect the integrity of U.S. derivatives markets by joining the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as an Attorney Advisor.
Attorney Advisor Job Overview
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking skilled legal professionals to serve in its Market Participants Division. This role is dedicated to ensuring the financial integrity, fitness, and fair business conduct of key market players, including swap dealers, futures commission merchants, and commodity trading advisors. You will provide critical legal counsel, conduct complex regulatory research, and draft essential policy documents that uphold market transparency and protect the public from fraud and manipulation.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor
- U.S. Citizenship
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active membership of the bar in good standing in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
- Favorable background and security investigation
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959
- Minimum of 2 to 4 years of relevant post-law school legal experience depending on the grade level
- Completion of a mandatory two-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor
- Expert skill in researching and analyzing complex legal issues
- In-depth knowledge of derivatives law, financial markets, and corporate governance
- Strong understanding of federal administrative law and regulatory frameworks
- Experience in financial market oversight or related regulatory compliance
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages with a minimum 10pt font.
- Gather your J.D. transcripts and documentation of active bar membership.
- Log in to your account on the official federal jobs portal using Login.gov.
- Upload all required documentation, including veterans' preference forms if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of October 28, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume is the primary document used for initial screening and pay setting; be clear and concise.
- Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the qualification requirements listed for the specific grade level (CT-12, 13, or 14).
- Even if you have not been asked for a writing sample, having one ready that demonstrates complex analytical skills is highly beneficial.
- Double-check that all contact information is current and that your email spam filters allow messages from federal domains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my law degree is from a foreign institution?
Yes, provided you have had your credentials evaluated by an authorized private organization to confirm they are equivalent to an accredited U.S. law degree.
What is the significance of the two-year trial period?
The trial period is a standard evaluation phase to assess your fitness for the position, your performance, and how your contributions align with the agency's goals.
Are there remote work options?
While this role requires being located in one of the designated cities, the position is telework-eligible.
What is the hiring authority?
This position is filled under the Schedule A hiring authority for attorneys, which is part of the excepted service.
Job from Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The CFTC is an independent federal agency dedicated to promoting the resilience, integrity, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets. By overseeing swap markets and regulating market intermediaries, the agency protects the public from fraud, market manipulation, and systemic risk. Working at the CFTC means contributing to a mission-critical objective that impacts the global economy.